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Lesson 5 - Affirmations & Mindful Movement

Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga

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Year 6

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Yoga

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59 min

Big Question

How can positive self-talk and mindful movement help us build confidence and emotional resilience?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to create and use positive affirmations during yoga practice
To understand and demonstrate the concept of 'mirroring' in yoga movements
To practice mindfulness and self-reflection through yoga poses and breathing techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will create personal positive affirmations and use them during yoga poses
Students will demonstrate mirroring techniques with a partner while maintaining focus
Students will show improved self-awareness and ability to recognise success in themselves and others

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in scattered formation with arm's length spacing

Alternative: Towels or carpet spaces if mats unavailable

Background Music

1 playlist

Soft volume, instrumental music for relaxation phase

Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence if preferred

Mixed Objects

1 per student (feathers, flowers, or pictures)

Distributed before final challenge activity

Alternative: Any interesting natural or textured items

Key Vocabulary

Affirmation

A positive statement about yourself that helps build confidence and self-belief

Mirroring

Moving in exact reflection of a partner's movements while maintaining connection

Mindfulness

Being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and body in the moment

Alignment

Proper positioning of the body parts in yoga poses for safety and effectiveness

Meditation

A practice of focused attention and awareness to calm the mind and body

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of yoga poses from previous units
Experience with breathing techniques and body awareness
Understanding of personal space and safe movement

Current Skills

Creating and using positive affirmations
Advanced yoga pose sequences with mindful breathing
Partner work and mirroring techniques
Self-reflection and recognising success in others

Next Steps

Independent yoga practice with personal affirmation sequences
Teaching yoga poses and mindfulness to others
Creating personalised wellness routines

Milestone Indicators

Confidently creates personal affirmations without prompting

Maintains focus and connection during partner mirroring

Shows genuine self-reflection and celebrates others' achievements

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - never force poses beyond comfortable range of motion
Connect breathing with movement and affirmations throughout practice
Encourage personal adaptation of poses rather than 'perfect' alignment
Foster positive self-talk and recognition of individual progress
Model calm, accepting presence and genuine mindfulness
Create inclusive environment where all abilities are celebrated
Emphasise internal awareness over external appearance of poses

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must look 'perfect' - correct by emphasising personal adaptation and comfort
You must be flexible to do yoga - explain that yoga develops flexibility over time
Meditation means completely empty mind - teach that noticing thoughts is normal
Affirmations are silly - demonstrate how positive self-talk builds confidence
Partner work is just playing - explain the empathy and cooperation skills developed
Relaxation is lazy - discuss the importance of rest for physical and mental health

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include movement breaks between poses, provide clear boundaries, offer fidget tools during meditation

dyspraxia

Simplify pose sequences, provide extra practice time, use wall support for balance poses

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet space options, use visual schedules for pose sequences

visual impairment

Provide verbal descriptions of poses, use tactile guidance for alignment, ensure clear auditory cues for affirmations

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, provide written affirmation cards, employ clear gestures and sign support

physical disability

Offer seated modifications for all poses, adapt using chairs or props, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, creative expression through affirmations, listening and speaking skills

Maths

Counting breaths, understanding time duration, spatial awareness and geometry in poses

Science

Understanding body systems, breathing and oxygen exchange, effects of exercise on heart rate and wellbeing

PSHE

Mental health awareness, building self-esteem, developing positive relationships and empathy

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, position for clear demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, mindful breathing, positive engagement with affirmations

Intervention Points

Correct unsafe alignment, support struggling students, redirect inappropriate behaviour gently

Demonstration Notes

Show modifications for different abilities, model calm presence and positive self-talk, demonstrate poses clearly with proper alignment

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body and only go as far as feels good'
•'Remember to breathe deeply and stay present'
•'Find your own version of this pose that works for you'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 2m per student for individual poses, additional space for partner work

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface suitable for bare feet or yoga socks

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and properly positioned
•Ensure no sharp objects or hazards in movement area
•Verify adequate ventilation for physical activity

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in forward folds and twists
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Knee strain from incorrect foot placement
•Neck strain in inverted poses

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body limits and not forcing poses
•Provide wall support options for balance poses
•Clear instruction on safe foot placement in Tree Pose
•Remind students to move slowly and mindfully

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Monitor proper alignment in all poses
•Watch for signs of overexertion or strain
•Ensure respectful partner interactions
•Check room temperature suitable for relaxation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, provide first aid as appropriate, ensure comfortable recovery position